Arsenal are in the middle of a big week and the Gunners' movements on and off the field have come under fresh scrutiny

Arsenal have made a strong start to a tricky run of fixtures but questions remain. Mikel Arteta has secured three wins from three since the international break but a midweek trip to Bayern Munich in the Champions League looks like a real test.

Two of those three wins came in the league and by a single goal, with Leeds United and Nottingham Forest both narrowly defeated. Arsenal weren't the most convincing at the City Ground on Sunday, though, with Eberechi Eze's performance in particular coming under the microscope.

Eze was one of a number of stars who arrived in the summer of 2025 at significant cost. The investment helped the Gunners win the league title last term but he and others who arrived at the same time have found it tougher this term.

We could yet see further investment in the next couple of windows as Arteta aims to strengthen his squad. We've got an update on one target as well as fresh questions about where Eze fits into the picture both now and going forward.

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Pardew calls out Eze problem

Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew believes Eze is unable to deliver what Mikel Arteta demands from either a No. 10 or a left winger. The former Crystal Palace box suggested the former Eagles man - who made way for match-winner Noni Madueke at the interval on Sunday - may face a future as an impact substitute himself.

"In certain games, against lesser opposition, Eze will be given that No. 10 position," Pardew told talkSPORT. "But I've seen him on that left side for Crystal Palace a few times and it's just not him.

"He's never going to go down the left hand side and whip crosses in, he wants to come and play centrally. He's going to make the game too narrow and therefore you've not got enough width, so it's a problem.

"Arteta took him off rightly, in my opinion, as it just wasn't working. In the first instance though, perhaps he shouldn't have started him there, and used him as an impact as a No.10.

"And I think that will be his role at Arsenal, if they need a goal. I don't think Eze is going to be a starter for Arsenal, I think he's a sub and if they need a moment, then the manager can give him the last 10-15 minutes of games."

Araujo transfer claim

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Arsenal and Manchester United are among those who pushed for Sporting CP talent Maxi Araujo before he signed a contract extension in August. Nevertheless, according to Sport Witness, neither club has intensified their pursuit since the transfer window shut.

This comes despite speculation from the continent suggesting a £55million offer for the player could be forthcoming. That would represent a considerable return on a player Sporting signed from Mexican club Toluca in 2024, but the most recent reports appear to be well off the mark.

Araujo, who is capable of operating at left-back or on the left side of midfield, is now under contract until 2030 after putting pen to paper on an extension over the summer. He has registered one goal and two assists to his name at club level this term but has been more prolific in a more advanced role for his country.